Construction starts on $110 million expansion of Aurora outlet mall

Construction is moving forward on a $110 million expansion project at the Chicago Premium Outlets mall in west suburban Aurora, with a ceremonial groundbreaking today.

The 290,000-square-foot project will enlarge the mall footprint by nearly two-thirds, according to information from its owner, Indianapolis-based Simon Property Group Inc. The expansion, which should be completed by late spring next year, will make room for 50 more stores, including new anchor Saks Off 5th.

When the project is completed Chicago Premium Outlets will house more than 170 stores and encompass 730,000 square feet. By comparison, the Fashion Outlets of Chicago, which debuted last year in Rosemont, is 530,000 square feet and has about 140 stores.

The construction also will upgrade the mall's existing space and outdoor areas, where fire pits, more seating and new landscaping will be installed.

"We're taking the center to an entirely new level," said Danielle De Vita, senior vice president of development and acquisitions at Simon Premium Outlets. The renovation is the largest Simon has undertaken at any of its 81 outlet malls nationwide.

Simon also owns a 50 percent interest in Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg.